Chapter 4 - Business goals and bottom line

Abstract

A good business plan is essential for any company. A number of different aspects of a company are described in the business plan. These include a statement of why the company exists and for which purpose (the general mission and goals), an overview of the company composition and organization (employees and their reporting structure), a plan for the business of the company (direction of work, what is produced and when, aspects of competition, and procedures for maintenance and growth). One must learn what the bottom line is to fully comprehend a company's business goals. The bottom line can be described as the minimum deliverables by which the company can exist. Contribution to attaining the bottom line is the most crucial job for any company employee. An employee must find a place, role, and professional identity within the company. The sooner this happens, the more productive and satisfied the employee will be. This chapter describes the hierarchy and roles in a company, provides a description of a business plan, and sheds light on the influence of the stakeholders in a company. Finally, it discusses the types of companies and illustrates a questionnaire that can be used to assess one's understanding of the company's business goals and bottom-line.